Sabbatical Journey

Several years ago the Elders of the Conejo Church adopted a Ministerial Leave policy, whereby full-time ministers are entitled to a 12 week sabbatical once every 7 years. I am very grateful to take advantage of this time for leave and personal renewal.  I am also truly indebted to the Elders for the amazing flexibility they have afforded me in the process.

In April and May of 2014, I took 8 weeks of my 12 week sabbatical to finish writing my dissertation for the Doctor of Ministry degree. At that time I negotiated with the Elders that Tami and I would take the remaining four weeks as a trip to visit my Father-in Law on the mission field in Albania.  Another goal in this trip is to visit biblical sites – something we have always wanted to do but have never been able to.. Tami and I are thrilled that this time has now come.

Tami’s Dad, Tom Bonner, has been a lone missionary in Lushnja, Albania for the past thirteen years. Tami and I are so excited to join him and then take him with us into Greece to several biblical sites. A loose itinerary for our travels is listed below:

• Monday, September 8 – Fly from LAX to Istanbul, Turkey
• Visit sites in and around Istanbul        
• Saturday, September, 12 – Fly to Tirana , Albania
•  Visit with Tom Bonner and the church in Albania
• Jack will preach and teach
• Monday, September 21 – Fly to Athens, Greece
• We will take Tom Bonner with us
•  Embark on a Mediterranean cruise including stops at several biblical sites such ancient Ephesus and the isles of Crete and Patmos
• Friday September 25 – Arrive back in Athens
• Tour sites around Athens including the Acropolis, Mars Hill and the Parthenon
• Attend church with family friends in Athens on Sunday
• Monday September 28, Fly from Athens, to LAX

For obvious reasons, Tami and I are very excited to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. We are very grateful to the Elders and to our wonderful Conejo Church family for making this possible.  During our travels you can keep up with us as I will post on Facebook and through this blog. 

I can hardly wait to get on the plane and begin this adventure.  It is even more wonderful to be able to make this journey with my beautiful. amazing wife. Tami you are the greatest blessing God has given me in this life.  That is more true as each year goes by! I am also very blessed to be able to share this trip with my Father-in law, Tom Bonner. Tom I admire you more than you know. You are truly one of my greatest examples and a Godly hero in my mind.  

Ready...set...let's go!!!